R.I.P.: CPD officer dies after being shot

If you ask me, Illinois needs to reinstate the death penalty, especially in cases like this…. But that is just me.

By Sarah Schulte

June 1, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — A Chicago police officer was killed in the line of duty. He died from gunshot wounds to his head and leg.

Slain officer leaves behind pregnant fiancee

June 2, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — Two men were arrested in the killing of Chicago Police Officer Alejandro Valadez early Monday in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side.

The men — aged 20 and 21 — were arrested were at 1:36 a.m. Monday at 6235 S. Paulina St., according to a police report.

The men remain in custody early Tuesday, but no charges have been filed.

Officer Valadez and his partner were responding to a call of gunfire about 12:30 a.m. Monday in the 6000-block of South Hermitage, when someone inside a vehicle fired gunshots at the officer.

Valadez, 27, was pronounced dead at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County Monday afternoon, several hours after being critically wounded in the shooting.

Valadez joined the Chicago Police Dept. in December 2005 and was most recently assigned to the Englewood (7th) District. He had earned a Department Commendation and 22 Honorable Mentions during his three-year career, according to a release from police.

The department issued the following statement Monday afternoon: “We would like to express thanks to all the surgeons and medical staff at Stroger Hospital who worked tirelessly to assist Officer Valadez.

“We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all of Officer Valadez’s fellow officers for their tremendous outpouring of support during this very challenging time.

“Our deepest condolences are with the Valadez family; we ask that you keep Officer Valadez and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

The family is requesting privacy and funeral arrangements will be announced by the police department when they become available, the release said.

Wentworth Area detectives are investigating.

On Monday night, officers in the 7th District, where Valadez served, held a prayer service in his honor.

“He was really a dedicated public servant, and i’m really proud of his service to the community,” said Commander Keith Calloway, Chicago Police Department.

Valadez comes from a family of police officers.

Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis says Valadez was on life support before his death.

“At 2:40 on Monday afternoon, our officer was pronounced dead. His name is Alejandro, but he goes by Alex Valadez,” said Supt. Weis.

It was an all-day vigil at Stroger, where police officers, family and friends gathered to hear the latest about the 27-year-old police officer.

“They responded to a call of shots fired. He and his partner were on the scene. At that time a vehicle drove by and fired rounds in their direction. That’s when he was hit. He was struck, I believe, once in the leg and once in the head,” said Weis.

Weis would not say if the officer was a target.

The shooting happened just outside Samantha Washington’s home.

” I heard the shots and made sure my sister was OK,” said Samantha Washington, officer’s neighbor.

“It’s like everybody just got punched in the stomach. You walk around the hospital, there’s young officers, they’re in tears. Many do not have a lot of time on the job and now they realize how dangerous it is,” said Weis.

Valadez lived on the Southwest Side near Midway Airport.

“He was a good neighbor, always he said ‘Hi, how are you?’ And when I heard the news I feel so sad,” said Julia Gonzalez, officer’s neighbor.

Valadez is the first officer killed in the line of duty this year. Superintendent Weis says Valadez will be donating his organs.

Valadez’s fiancee was also an officer in the 7th district. ABC7 has learned that she is pregnant.